By rail · CHRISTCHURCH TRAIN TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 13 christchurch train tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before the seat is booked.
Use a one-day ticket on Christchurch’s restored vintage trams, boarding at 18 central-city stops. Hear live commentary as you pass Cathedral Square, the Avon River, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, New Regent Street, and the Botanic Gardens. Collect your tram ticket at Cathedral Junction.
“Great little way to get around town, great food at the Riverside Market and some good shops about as well”
Use one day to ride Christchurch’s antique tram with live commentary and hop on or off at 18 city stops, then take the Gondola up Mount Cavendish. The $46 combo includes both attractions, the Discovery ride, café, and summit paths, but transport between the city and Gondola costs extra.
“The trams came frequently and I was able to use it all day. Due to the windy conditions the gondola ride was closed but I could use it 2 days later. All transfers worked well and the gondola ride was perfect.”
Use a one-day pass to ride Christchurch’s heritage trams around 18 city-centre stops. Start with a 50-minute circuit, then hop off at the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, and Cathedral Junction while drivers such as Barry and Sam add local stories and humor.
“the tram drivers were great as was the ticket sales team.. a wonderful experience”
Combine Christchurch’s hop-on hop-off vintage tram, a 30-minute guided punt beside the Botanic Gardens, and a Christchurch Gondola ride to Port Hills. Guides provide live commentary, while the tram reaches 18 stops. Reserve your punt time in advance, and budget extra for transport to the Gondola.
“Value for money and great combination of things to do and see.”
Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then return by minibus through Arthur’s Pass National Park and Castle Hill. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and weather gear. Expect about three hours on the train, short walks, scenic stops, and free time for lunch.
“This was a great tour - amazing sites and scenery, good mix of activities and a great tour guide. Everything well organised and flowed easily. Lots of options given for the activities.”
Take the 8:15 am TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth for a 4-hour-50-minute ride across Canterbury farmland, the Waimakariri River gorges, Arthur’s Pass, and West Coast beech forest. You get allocated seating, GPS-triggered commentary, an open viewing deck, and a café carriage.
“Very beautiful scenery and very nice train. The staff was exceptionally helpful and friendly. Reserve in advance because every seat was taken.”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri Gorge, then meet a local guide at Arthur’s Pass. Expect short walks, Otira Gorge, Cave Stream, Castle Hill, lunch, and a return drive in a small-group minivan. Guides may include Jock, Sue, Stu, Peter, or Fiona.
“The trip was super ! The train ride was amazing as expected but what made the trip super was our guide from Canterbury Trails - Fiona ! Fiona guide us through Arthur’s pass , stopped at multiple locations as she drove us to Christchurch making it an immensely memorable trip. She was super comfortable having to deal with small kids and was kind and caring and very knowledgable. Even though it was raining she had multiple options ready which were all spectacular !! Thank you Fiona !”
Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then return by small-group minibus with stops at waterfalls, Lake Pearson, Otira Viaduct lookout, and Castle Hill. Guides such as Anuj and Anush provide commentary, snacks, water, and help with the walking options.
“Tour guide Anuj was so helpful and kind he was so supportive of everything for all the guests on the bus. Highly recommended”
Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. With guides such as Jude, Graham, Terry, Pete, and Carmen, you’ll stop for walks, mountain views, lunch, and a working sheep farm with sheepdogs, shearing, and afternoon tea.
“Simply, a must see and take day trip! One of the best nature trip I’ve taken. Stunning scenery, lively and informative guide, and a good non-rushed schedule.”
Use a full-day Christchurch tram ticket to explore 18 stops, from Cathedral Junction and New Regent Street to Hagley Park and the Botanic Garden. Add a reserved 30-minute Avon River punt with an Edwardian-costumed guide, blankets, and hot water bottles in cold weather.
“Tram Captain was energetic and entertaining; that made the whole experience very enjoyable.”
Travel from Christchurch to Picton in about 5 hours 40 minutes on Great Journeys New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific. You’ll follow 98km of Kaikoura coastline, with Pacific views, mountains, seals, dolphins, GPS audio commentary, an open-air carriage, and a licensed café.
“A must do bucket list experience that I did when I was younger and now as an adult loved doing it again with geanskids”
Start with a central Christchurch pickup, ride the TranzAlpine from Springfield to Arthur’s Pass, then walk among waterfalls, mountains, and native wildlife. Your group has no more than seven people, and guide Craig may add local history and flexible pacing before the return drive.
“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”
Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by Mercedes Sprinter, stopping at Castle Hill, alpine lakes, and Otira Viaduct. Walk to the 131-meter Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall, then return by TranzAlpine train. A Kiwi guide, lunch, snacks, WiFi, and hotel pickup are included. Optional jet boating costs extra.
“Excellent experience; a soft-spoken, knowledgeable guide. Comfortable coach and unforgettable return journey on the transAlpine Train.”
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